CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Northwest Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72148
  • Insurance Median: $318
  • Cash Discount Price: $3,345
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.30x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Northwest Medical Center is $318. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,345. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.30x the Medicare baseline. Located in 6200 North La Cholla Boulevard, Tucson, AZ.
Cash / Self-Pay
$3,345

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$318

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate
$243.77

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $243.77 (100%)
Cash / Self-Pay: $3,345 (1372%)
Insurance Median: $318 (130%)
Cash: $3,345 (1372% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $318 (130% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $243.77 as the cost baseline. Rates below the baseline represent excellent value. In-network commercial rates commonly hover around 150% - 250% of Medicare, while rates exceeding 300% are elevated. Hover over the green and blue markers to view detailed calculations.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.

Input your details and click calculate to compare out-of-pocket costs.

Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates

Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.

Carrier / Plan Group Contract Rate Range vs. Medicare Reference
Aetna $157 - $5,018 64%
Medicaid / KanCare $165 - $177 68%
Magellan $173 - $263 71%
Veterans Eval Services $235 96%
Cigna $251 - $1,125 103%
Humana $251 103%
Medicare (plans) $251 103%
Node Caremore Mcr Adv $251 103%
Scan Health Plan $251 103%
UnitedHealthcare $251 - $5,576 103%
Pascua Yaqui Tribe $252 103%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $255 - $1,673 105%
Department Of Veterans Affairs $255 105%
Node Non Par Hospice Agree $255 105%
Node Va $255 105%
Tricare $255 105%
Triwest $255 105%
Fresenius Health $256 105%
Node Clover Health Mcr Adv $257 105%
Node Devoted Health Mcr Adv $258 106%
Node Banner Mcr Adv $263 108%
Wellcare $263 108%
Node Us Dept Of Labor $318 130%
Ambetter / Centene $359 147%
Node Health Choice Health Exchange $374 153%
Health Net $404 166%
Node Fusion Network $458 188%
Node J Allen Inmate Health Svcs $484 199%
Seven Corners $586 240%
Self Pay $2,676 - $4,014 1098%
First Health Coventry $5,854 2401%
Coventry Medical Center $6,691 2745%
Multiplan $9,255 3797%
Prime Health $9,478 3888%
Healthsmart $10,036 4117%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 6200 North La Cholla Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 85741
  • CMS Rating: ★★☆☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Proprietary
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals